By: Matteen Zibanejadrad
ASUN Tournament Semifinal
Kennesaw State (8-7-2), (4-3-2) vs. Bellarmine (4-6-8), (2-5-2)
Location: Fort Myers, Fla. | Pickering Field at the FGCU Soccer Complex
Date: Sunday, Oct. 31
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
The Kennesaw State women's soccer team is heading to its third-straight ASUN Tournament Semifinal in a row after taking down Central Arkansas in overtime on Friday afternoon.
The Owls will take on the Knights at the FGCU Soccer Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., with the winning team advancing to the final on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Head coach Benji Walton's squad have not seen Bellarmine since the two teams met in the ASUN Tournament Quarterfinals in the spring, which the Owls won off of a late Becky Contreras header.
It's Raining Goals
Freshman Macie Rainwater stamped her name in both the Kennesaw State and ASUN history books against Central Arkansas.
The forward from Kennesaw, Ga. netted a hat trick, the first by an Owl since 2016 and the first in an ASUN Championship game since 2010. There have been only four hat tricks in ASUN Championship history.
Rainwater's most impressive and important goal was her final one, volleying a Kendall Higgs cross to tie the game in the 81st minute.
Rainwater placed herself atop Kennesaw State's goal scorers with her immaculate performance, now leading the team with six goals.
A Rivera Runs Through It
Left winger Tianna Rivera scored her first game-winning goal of the season against the Bears, picking the perfect time and place to do so.
Higgs displayed her playmaking skills once again in the opening minutes of overtime, sending Rivera on a run with a diagonal pass over the top of the UCA back four.
Rivera latched on to the ball, working the ball onto her left foot before blasting an effort past the Central Arkansas keeper for the golden goal.
The thrilling game's winning goal was Rivera's third of the season, and the fourth golden goal by Kennesaw State this campaign.
Scouting Bellarmine
Bellarmine's super senior Sarah Buse is Bellarmine's most proficient goal scorer and most prolific playmaker.
Buse leads the Knights in both goals and assists, tallying four in both categories.
The Kentuckian scored a crucial penalty in Bellarmine's shootout win against division leaders FGCU and has logged four points in her last five games.
Next Match
The winner between Kennesaw State and Bellarmine will advance to the ASUN Tournament Final, taking place at the site of the highest seed available on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's soccer news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
